When our family traveled to Texas more than a week ago, we had the chance to have dinner with some very special friends of ours: Terry and Veran Barrett.
Veran was the church secretary for the Westhill Church of Christ when Jeremy was the Youth Minister there. She was more like a second mother to him and me! She spoiled Jeremy so bad that he did not know how to make copies on the copy machine! (Just kidding, Jerm!) But, she really did help him tremendously!
A few years ago, we thought we were going to lose Veran. We had been living in Northport for almost a year. It was a Sunday afternoon and we were taking a nap before evening worship. Jeremy woke up from our nap to hear his phone ringing. It was Ferman Carpenter (a dear friend of ours) He said that Veran had fallen down a week ago and had gotten an infection in her leg. She was currently in ICU at Parkland Hospital in Dallas. The infection had spread and she may not live if the infection spread to her heart. We made the necessary calls to cover Jeremy's singing that night and were on our way. Parkland Hospital has one of the best trauma units in the country and we knew she was in good hands. But, we were still scared. How could we go on if we lost her?
We made it to Dallas at 5am the next morning. We had driven the whole night through. We slept in our car in the parking garage until 10am (visiting hours) We saw Veran at about 11am. She was in and out of consciousness. She took one look at Jeremy and said, "I must be dying because that's the only reason y'all would come all this way." We laughed it off, and said, "no, you are going to be just fine." But we were really worried. The doctors could not amputate because she had been on blood thinners. It was a very serious condition.
Eventually, Veran did have her right leg amputated up to her femur. She was in the hospital for about 3 months. She now has a motorized wheelchair and is currently in therapy to learn how to walk with an artificial limb. She has learned how to drive with her left leg and owns a Toyota Sienna van that is specially made to accommodate her needs. We are so proud of her!! Her husband Terry has been a trooper as well. He built a wheelchair ramp at their house so Veran can get in and out whenever she wants. He purchased the van for her as well. They are an amazing family!!
Jeremy, Ava, and I had dinner with the Barrett's on the Tuesday night of our visit. We met them at their house and visited for a little while. Veran and Terry gave Ava two new little outfits. We got to see their new van and then headed out to Chili's. It was a great evening spent with good freinds!
Veran wants to be called, "Granny Veranny." Ava just loved her!!
No comments:
Post a Comment